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Imperial War Museum North

4.5
·8k reviews·Stretford, United Kingdom

A powerful, free museum exploring the impact of war through striking architecture and interactive exhibits.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more reflection time

CrowdLow
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Imperial War Museum North - Image 1

Imperial War Museum North

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more reflection time

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A powerful, free museum exploring the impact of war through striking architecture and interactive exhibits.

4.5
(8k reviews)

"A must-visit war memorial museum with remarkable creativity and a surreal, moving experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Admission! :money_with_wings:

Entry is free, but donations are greatly appreciated to support the museum's mission.

NCP Parking Alert :warning:

If driving, be aware NCP parking requires payment within 24 hours, consider their app.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Main Exhibition Hall

The Main Exhibition Hall

Immersive displays showcasing the human cost of conflict with powerful artifacts and survivor stories.

Reddit
Interactive Action Stations

Interactive Action Stations

Engage with history through screen-based simulations like tank driving and Enigma machine experiences.

Reddit
3D Animations

3D Animations

Experience history brought to life with captivating 3D animations shown every 40 minutes.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Free Entry, Big Impact

Enjoy a powerful and moving experience at the Imperial War Museum North without any admission fee. Donations are welcome to support their work. Plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully absorb the exhibits and interactive displays. Reddit

Combine Your Visit

Easily combine your trip with a visit to Old Trafford or The Lowry. It's a short walk between IWM North and Old Trafford, making it a great pre-game option. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more reflection time
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Animations are running regularly
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I dont carw about Ronny 🎶 (still the goat though)…Stretford End saying bye to Ronaldo! 🇾🇪🔰 #fyp #fypシ #mufc #tra #stretfordend #manchesterunited #ronaldo #cristiano #cristianoronaldo #cr7 #chant #footballchant #football #chant #united #ggmu #redarmy #luhg #utfr #awaydays
@therealslimshivy
95.3K likes • 2.1M views

Free Admission! :money_with_wings:

Entry is free, but donations are greatly appreciated to support the museum's mission. Reddit

NCP Parking Alert :warning:

If driving, be aware NCP parking requires payment within 24 hours, consider their app. Reddit

⁨ 🏛️Imperial War Museum North – Manchester 🇬🇧 متحف غني بالتاريخ والمعرفة، يوثّق الحروب وتأثيرها على البشر والمجتمعات، ويقدّم تجربة بصرية وذهنية تخلي الطالب يفهم معنى “السلام” بشكل أعمق. زيارتنا مو بس للتعرف على الأحداث… بل لنزرع في طلابنا الوعي، ونخلّيهم يشوفون كيف الماضي يشكّل الحاضر، وكيف قيمة الأمان اللي نعيشها اليوم… ما كانت دايمًا شيء بديهي. رحلة صيف مانشستر 2025 تعليم من الواقع، وتجارب تبن...
bacc.kwt
27 likes • 2.5K views
The Imperial War Museum North, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, resembles a shattered globe, symbolizing the impact of war. Its aluminum-clad shards represent Air, Earth, and Water, each exploring different war-related themes The dynamic facade reflects light differently, adding to its symbolic depth. Situated in Greater Manchester's Salford Quays, the museum's irregular spaces encoura...
thisisourmanchester
114 likes • 4.1K views

Allow Ample Time :clock1:

Plan for at least 2-3 hours to explore the exhibits and interactive displays thoroughly. Reddit

Combine with Lowry :bridge:

Easily walk over the bridge to explore The Lowry art centre and its LS Lowry collection. Reddit

Today marks the sad closure of the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum. It has been a remarkable space, honouring extraordinary courage and sacrifice. Among the heroes featured are Aidan Liddell VC and Manley James VC, both of whom are connected to North East Hampshire. Their stories – like so many others told here – deserve to continue inspiring generations to come. It’s a real sha...
ranil
19 likes • 619 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Admission! :money_with_wings:

Entry is free, but donations are greatly appreciated to support the museum's mission. Reddit

NCP Parking Alert :warning:

If driving, be aware NCP parking requires payment within 24 hours, consider their app. Reddit

Allow Ample Time :clock1:

Plan for at least 2-3 hours to explore the exhibits and interactive displays thoroughly. Reddit

Combine with Lowry :bridge:

Easily walk over the bridge to explore The Lowry art centre and its LS Lowry collection. Reddit

Kid-Friendly Fun :child:

Interactive stations and engaging displays make it a great experience for families. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(8k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Imperial War Museum North for its powerful exhibits, engaging interactive displays, and the significant fact that it offers free admission. The museum's striking architecture and the opportunity to combine a visit with nearby attractions like The Lowry and Old Trafford are also frequently highlighted as major positives. Some minor points of concern include the NCP parking system and the potential for crowds during peak times.

"First time I’d visited here for almost 20 years. Still free entry, which is great. The collection & use of the space has improved a little over that time. A couple of interactive exhibits such as tank driving & an Enigma machine (both screen based) to have a play on. Parking is run by NCP but the pay machine was out of order so you may want to download the app just in case."

Toxteth O' Grady

"This war memorial museum is an absolute must-visit. The creativity is remarkable, with 3D animations shown every 40 minutes that bring history to life. The experience feels surreal, with real artifacts, remnants of war, powerful survivor stories, and the sacrifices made by our heroes on display. Knowledgeable staff explain war strategies in detail and even let visitors try on different types of soldier helmets and armour used throughout the years. For a free tour, the quality is outstanding, though donations are welcome, and there’s also a great shop with Imperial War Museum branded gifts. The action stations are a fantastic way to interact and experience real-life wartime scenarios. Truly worth the time, highly recommended!"

Charani De Silva

"Excellent museum.
Spacious facility.
Great exhibits.
Helpful staff.
Free entrance.

How be careful NCP parking must be paid with in 24 hours.
Highly recommended if in Manchester."

Khalid Khaliq

What People Like

Free admission
Engaging interactive exhibits
Striking architecture

What People Dislike

NCP parking system

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in Salford Quays, easily accessible by public transport. You can take the Metrolink tram to MediaCityUK or alight at Harbour City. Several bus routes also serve the area. If driving, NCP parking is available nearby. Reddit

Yes, it's a straightforward walk of about 15-20 minutes between the Imperial War Museum North and Old Trafford. Reddit

NCP parking is available. However, be aware that payment must be made within 24 hours, so it's advisable to download the NCP app to manage your parking. Reddit

Absolutely! It's conveniently located near The Lowry arts centre, and a short walk from Old Trafford football stadium, making it easy to plan a day of exploration. Reddit

While one reviewer didn't explicitly see a lift, it's common for modern museums to have accessible facilities. It's best to check with the museum directly for specific accessibility information. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Imperial War Museum North is free. However, donations are welcomed to support the museum's operations and exhibitions. Reddit

As entry is free, advance booking is generally not required. However, for special events or exhibitions, it's always a good idea to check the museum's official website. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, so it's recommended to check the official Imperial War Museum North website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and any potential closures. Reddit

While the main museum is free, temporary exhibitions may sometimes have a separate charge or require pre-booking. Always check the museum's website for details on current exhibitions. Reddit

Donation boxes are typically located near the reception area. You can also support the museum by purchasing items from the gift shop or exhibition catalogues. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find a range of exhibits covering various conflicts, with a focus on the effects of war. Expect powerful artifacts, survivor stories, and interactive elements like tank driving simulations. Reddit

Yes, the museum features interactive exhibits, including screen-based simulations for tank driving and operating an Enigma machine, offering a hands-on way to learn. Reddit

Most visitors find that 2-3 hours is sufficient to explore the main exhibits and engage with the interactive displays. Reddit

Yes, the interactive stations and engaging displays make it a suitable and educational visit for families with children. Reddit

Knowledgeable staff may offer opportunities to try on different types of soldier helmets and armor used throughout history, adding a unique tactile element to the visit. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe located on the ground floor, offering refreshments and light meals for visitors. Reddit

The cafe typically offers a selection of drinks, snacks, and light meals. It's a convenient spot to refuel during your visit. Reddit

Salford Quays has a variety of dining options, including restaurants and cafes at The Lowry and MediaCityUK, which are a short walk away. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to consume outside food in designated areas or not at all within museum galleries. The on-site cafe is the primary option. Reddit

Yes, there is a gift shop on the ground floor selling Imperial War Museum branded gifts and souvenirs. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, personal photography is allowed for non-commercial purposes, but flash photography and tripods may be restricted in certain areas. It's always best to check for specific signage within the museum. Reddit

The striking architecture of the museum itself, particularly its exterior, offers great photographic opportunities. Inside, the immersive displays and artifacts can also make for compelling shots. Reddit

For personal social media sharing, non-flash photography is usually permitted. However, for professional or commercial use, you would likely need to seek permission from the museum. Reddit

Capturing the 3D animations might be restricted to prevent disruption or copyright issues. Check for specific guidelines in the screening area. Reddit

Searching for 'Imperial War Museum North' on Instagram or TikTok can provide a wealth of user-generated photos and videos, giving you ideas for shots. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Imperial War Museum North is a fantastic destination for families. Its free entry makes it an accessible outing, and the interactive action stations, like tank driving simulations, are a huge hit with children. Reddit The museum's engaging displays and 3D animations help to explain complex historical events in a way that is understandable and captivating for younger minds. Plan for at least 2-3 hours to allow children to fully explore and engage with the exhibits without feeling rushed. Reddit

🚶 Day-Trippers from Manchester

For a fulfilling day trip from Manchester city centre, the Imperial War Museum North is an excellent choice. It's easily reachable via the Metrolink tram system, with stops like MediaCityUK or Harbour City just a short walk away. Reddit You can easily spend 2-3 hours here, and then extend your day by visiting the nearby Lowry arts centre or even catching a glimpse of Old Trafford. The free admission is a major draw for budget-conscious day-trippers looking for a meaningful cultural experience. Reddit

⚽ Football Fans (Pre-Match Visit)

If you're heading to Old Trafford for a match, the Imperial War Museum North offers a compelling pre-game activity. It's a short, 15-20 minute walk from the museum to the stadium, allowing you to soak in some history before the football action. Reddit You can easily spend a couple of hours at the museum, grab a quick lunch nearby, and still have ample time to get to Old Trafford well before kick-off. It's a great way to make a match day even more memorable. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architecture of Conflict

The Imperial War Museum North boasts a distinctive and symbolic architectural design. Its cantilevered structure, resembling a shattered globe, is a powerful visual metaphor for the impact of war. The exterior's metallic sheen and angular forms evoke a sense of unease and reflection, setting the tone for the experiences within. TikTok This striking design is a key element that draws visitors and provides a unique backdrop for photographs. Instagram

The interior is equally thoughtful, with a central exhibition space designed to feel both vast and intimate. The use of light and shadow plays a crucial role in shaping the visitor's emotional journey through the exhibits. The museum's design encourages contemplation and engagement with the difficult subject matter it presents, making the building itself a significant part of the overall experience. Reddit

Engaging with History: Interactive Exhibits

Beyond static displays, the Imperial War Museum North offers several interactive elements that bring history to life. Visitors can engage with screen-based simulations, such as driving a tank or operating an Enigma machine, providing a tangible connection to wartime experiences. These hands-on activities are particularly popular with younger visitors and offer a unique way to understand the practicalities of conflict. Reddit

The museum also features 3D animations shown at regular intervals, which use cutting-edge technology to present historical events and personal stories in a compelling and immersive manner. These visual narratives help to contextualize the artifacts and personal accounts, making the impact of war more relatable and understandable. Reddit The combination of these interactive features ensures that the museum is not just a place of passive observation but an active space for learning and reflection. TikTok

A Day Out in Salford Quays

The Imperial War Museum North is situated in the vibrant Salford Quays, a regenerated waterfront area offering a wealth of attractions. It's incredibly convenient to combine a visit to the museum with other nearby cultural hotspots. A short, pleasant walk across the bridge leads you to The Lowry, an impressive arts centre housing galleries dedicated to the works of L.S. Lowry, as well as theatres and other cultural spaces. Reddit

For sports enthusiasts, Old Trafford, the iconic home of Manchester United Football Club, is also within easy walking distance. This makes IWM North an ideal starting point for a day that combines history, art, and sport. The surrounding Quays area itself is also worth exploring, with its modern architecture, waterside cafes, and bustling atmosphere, offering plenty of opportunities for dining and relaxation. Reddit

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